Crackdown on Illegal Mining: Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary Deactivates Five Stone Crusher Portals in Rajouri

RAJOURI, March 11, 2026 — Taking decisive action against environmental violations, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has ordered the immediate deactivation of e-challan portals for five major stone crusher units in District Rajouri.

The crackdown followed a surprise inspection conducted by the Deputy CM, accompanied by the Joint Director of the Geology and Mining Department, to investigate reports of illegal riverbed mining at Chityari and surrounding areas. The inspection revealed that five prominent units—Mir Stone Crusher, Mehta Stone Crusher, KGN Stone Crusher, Border Stone Crusher (all located in Dogani), and Shakti Stone Crusher in Saranoo—had engaged in unauthorized excavation below the natural riverbed surface after exhausting their legal quotas.

This breach of mining norms prompted the immediate suspension of their operating portals, which will remain deactivated pending a comprehensive departmental verification.During the site visit, authorities also discovered several heavy excavators (Poklain machines) stationed on the premises, in direct violation of mining activity regulations.

Deputy CM Choudhary issued a strict directive for the immediate removal of these unauthorized heavy machines and emphasized that the government will not tolerate the exploitation of natural resources.

He warned that any unit found flouting environmental laws would be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law, ensuring that mining operations across Jammu and Kashmir remain strictly compliant with prescribed rules.

The Geology and Mining Department has now been tasked with a detailed audit of these units to determine the full extent of the violations and to initiate further legal proceedings as necessary.